Have you had a feeling of sand in your eyes for a long time and you feel like you are constantly thirsty? Check if these symptoms should worry you.
Dry eyes, dry lips
Sjögren’s syndrome (dry keratoconjunctivitis) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases. In this group of diseases, the body itself produces antibodies against selected cells of the body. In Sjögren’s disease, these are primarily the cells of the salivary glands and lacrimal glands. Affected salivary glands stop producing the right amount of saliva and the lacrimal glands produce too little tears.
Therefore, the main symptoms are dry mouth, which can make you feel thirsty all the time. As a result of not enough tears, there is often a feeling of sand and stickiness in the eyes, especially in the mornings. They may be accompanied by double vision, cracking of the tongue, mouth corners, problems with swallowing and chewing, as well as taste disturbances. Less frequent symptoms include: fatigue, tooth decay, inflammation of joints, lungs and kidneys.
Who gets sick and why?
The disease can attack any of us, at any age. Women over 90 suffer from the disease most often (20%). Sjögren’s syndrome may occur as a separate disease. However, it is more often associated with rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma). So far, scientists have failed to establish the cause of Sjögren’s syndrome. There are many hypotheses regarding the involvement of hereditary factors, viral infections and hormonal disorders.
Doctor’s help needed
If you experience a persistent feeling of sand in your eyes and a dry mouth, see your GP. Depending on the type and severity of symptoms, he or she will recommend appropriate treatment or refer you to another specialist (rheumatologist, ophthalmologist) who will conduct the following tests:
Schirmer’s test – the doctor will apply a narrow strip of tissue paper to the inside of the lower eyelid for a few minutes; the examination is completely painless – thanks to it you can measure the flow of tears.
– lip biopsy – the surgeon will numb your mouth area and then take a small fragment of your lip for examination.
How to fight an opponent?
Due to the unknown cause of Sjögren’s syndrome, treatment may only be symptomatic. You can get eye lubricant drops (artificial tears) and oral preparations (artificial saliva, e.g. in the form of an aerosol) from your doctor. Try to drink water regularly in small sips. If you experience joint pain, your doctor may advise you to take anti-inflammatory and painkillers. Since Sjögren’s syndrome can affect all glands in the body, be sure to tell your doctor about any conditions you have, as they can usually be treated. For example, the glands that produce the vaginal mucus, the absence of which causes pain during intercourse, can also dry up.
In the treatment process, chewing gum (thanks to this, saliva is produced) and the use of indoor air humidifiers (then the mucous membranes do not dry out so quickly) may be helpful. In addition, thanks to daily gymnastics and walks in the fresh air, you will make your joints and muscles more flexible, thanks to which joint pain will be reduced.
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